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Thursday, 6 November 2008

I hope you are well. Love everything about the blog, a real refreshing (and adult) take on men's fashion. Just had a quick question which I was hoping you may be able to help me out with. I'm looking to get hold of a bespoke suit (a penchant of yours I know), but am looking to get one a little cheaper than the £2,000 price mark. Have been doing some serious reading on the askandy forum which has proved quite informative, with a few places coming highly recommended for a price of £1,000. My only slight concern is that they probably tailor for the professional classes and my 2-piece isn't for work (I work in TV so would prob be a little toooo much) but for lounging and wearing to dinner etc. Just wondered if you had any recommendations for places around the London area that may do a reasonable bespoke number, with a young-outlook. Plus, I'm tall and skinny, so any where you think they may be able to cater to that would be great. Anyway, any help you could offer would be gratefully received, even if it's just pointing me in another blog direction.

Thanks

Thomas

We love receiving readers questions here at Style Salvage (we still can't believe that people actually value our sartorial opinion) and the most recent question is my favourite thus far. I say this only because it is something that I have been questioning myself, where can I find an affordable bespoke suit without taking a trip to the Far East? I'm quite sure that there is nothing quite like dressing in bespoke. The comfort that comes from the perfect fit combined with the pleasure from owning a piece of true craftsmanship finished off by the quiet confidence you gain from knowing that there is nobody in the room better dressed. A bespoke suit is certainly worth the investment but it is taking that first leap which is quite daunting...I should know because I'm still standing on the edge of the board myself. However, receiving this question has reignited my desire to jump in to the wonderful world of bespoke myself. So as well as researching the options for Thomas I will be looking for myself as well. Over the course of the next week I will scour London and beyond for the best, affordable bespoke (and the best of the rest) solutions available which will presented to you in daily segments. There is a wealth of information out there but it is difficult to find and presented poorly at times and therefore we would like to present the ultimate guide to buying bespoke over the course of next week. In the meantime The English Cut has this great advice on picking a bespoke tailor which will hopefully wet your appetite.

If I'm not mistaken G&W's entry level bespoke suits start at £700-800 and one or two other Savile Row tailors probably offer something comparable. Under £800 isn't too bad unless you want to fly over to China and go on a bespoke-safari.

Affordable bespoke feels like an oxymoron. There is a company in Portland that will make a suit for you from vintage patterns for around $650...but not sure that qualifies as pure bespoke. I say save up until you can afford the real deal.

A quick update on this. I will be posting three posts on this next week where I'll look at the various options in and around London. Hopefully some time soon I can look at the world beyond London town but please send in your recommendations from across the globe. I would love to go on a bespoke safari one day. Maybe I'll begin a tour...who's with me?

I can see your point Mr Wong but there are a number of great tailors out there who offer bespoke services at a reasonable price whilst not sacrificing on skill or execution.

GQ once made a feature on having a bespoke suit made in Hong Kong versus having it made in the UK. I think it turns out that even with the air fare from London to Hong Kong, the suit comes out cheaper, and just as sharp.

I, for one, am lucky to have a great relationship with a tailor who charges a fraction of Hong Kong bespoke (meaning: very, very cheap). He knows the way I like my clothes to fit, and is very patient with my ambitious tailoring projects. Unlined suit jackets for about USD 45, USD 100 if you want lining. But I live in Manila, and labor is cheap.

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Style Salvage is blog about how men could (and do) dress. Started back in June 2007, the blog aims to showcase emerging and established design talent alike. It features style commentary, 7 day style diaries, interviews with designers, journalists and shop owners mixed in with the occasional personal style shot.